LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to oversee the activities, procedures and tasks involved in a distinctive program or function of the County's library; to perform established library procedures; to assist patrons and other users in the effective use of the library facility and systems; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The General Services Agency coordinates various support divisions that provide services to residents of the County. Divisions include the Library, Library Network, Cable Administration and Electronic Services. The Library Division provides patron services at library branches in various locations throughout the County.

The Library Assistant 2 is the journey level or lead worker in the Library Assistant series. Incumbents are expected to be thoroughly familiar with library procedures, tools and techniques to independently assist patrons in the use of the County library. The Library Assistant 2 coordinates a distinctive function within the Library such as technical support, adult services or public relations.

Library Assistant 2 differs from Library Assistant 1 which operates with more supervision and performs the most general paraprofessional library duties, usually involving direct patron contact. Library Assistant 2 differs from Library Assistant 3 which is responsible for computer troubleshooting and coordination of all circulation activities and circulation staff coverage for all library branches.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Coordinates a distinctive function within the County's library such as technical services, adult services and public relations; plans programs; leads the work of library assistants and other support staff.

Coordinates public relations for the library: writes the library newsletter, new releases, and advertising for special programs; designs posters, handouts, and instructional signs; coordinates volunteer activities; acts as liaison to community groups that support the library.

Acts as lead worker for other staff; trains employees and volunteers; provides information and reader’s advisory service to the public; assists in library collection development.

Assists patrons in the use of library materials and services and in their selection of materials; checks books in and out for borrowing purposes; accepts and collects fines; explains use of on-line catalog and the library classification systems; processes new library cards; answers general reference questions; assists in keeping the library facilities clean and orderly.

Some knowledge of: Principles and techniques of effective supervision to oversee the activities and assignments of lower level staff or part-time employees; collection development.

Skill to: Deal tactfully and courteously with the public served; effectively perform a wide range of responsible clerical and library duties; communicate effectively in both written and oral manner with other staff, the general public and other patrons of the library; plan programs; perform multiple tasks simultaneously; assist in the preparation of concise and accurate records; effectively learn and use existing reference materials; perform detailed and more complex tasks with accuracy; utilize computer system for input, search and retrieval of information; collect, search, process and interpret data; interpret and apply rules and standards of the County library system; assist in overseeing the work of staff as assigned; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the general public and staff of other libraries; promote library activities to ensure effective operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some positions require lifting to shelve, mail and organize print and non-print materials; incumbents are exposed to a variety of environmental elements including dust.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Positions within Business and Community Services Department must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with state and federal legislation.

Driving may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.